Sometimes you have to leave a place to see how special it is. I'm an Arizona native, but it took me 15 years to come home after my college years. My time away taught me to appreciate Arizona. The desert southwest has a deep respect for its culture and heritage-and I'm proud to be part of it.

It took me a while to get into real estate, but that's a good thing, because I bring real-world experience to every transaction. I've flipped houses in California, Nevada and Arizona. I was in import/export sales in Los Angeles. I created award-winning designs as a landscape architect in Phoenix. And I managed corporate real estate operations in Sedona and Lake Tahoe, where I learned the traits of top producers. Now I use that knowledge to support my clients.

What did I learn? How to negotiate the best deal and to provide tremendous customer service, for starters, as well as the creative use of technology. I'm a troubleshooter, an intermediary, a strategic thinker, and a supportive listener. And I communicate. My friends and current clients say I never leave them questioning or wondering. They also say I'm approachable and empathetic. I'm always there for them, unconditionally.

I learned REALTORS® can be friends as well as service providers. Once while house hunting with clients, we saw an awesome rare cactus at a home we were previewing. When we found the right property, I drove over 100 miles to buy the same cactus as a housewarming gift. The gesture brought them to tears (of joy, I hope!).

But making clients cry isn't my goal. I'll earn your confidence by dealing with every obstacle and by being a passionate, tireless advocate for your interests. That's my goal.